Playing the villain role to perfection, Wagner gives Michigan marquee win

Posted Jan 13, 2018

Michigan forward Moritz Wagner (13) celebrates after they defeated Michigan State, 82-72, in their Big Ten basketball game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, on Saturday, January 13, 2018. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING -- Moritz Wagner stood near a basket on the Breslin Center court Saturday and pointed towards the southwest corner of the ceiling. The basketball game between Michigan and Michigan State had been over for more than an hour, the fans who occupied that section likely on I-94 or I-96, headed east.

"The people up there, the rafters, that you couldn't see tonight, they drive all the way out here to support us," Wagner said, turning to look at the empty seats. "And they will be sleeping really well tonight because of this win, and it's all because of us."

The Wolverines went to East Lansing and left with an 82-72 victory over No. 4 Michigan State. Top-five wins, especially on the road, are as rare as a John Beilein technical. There won't be many better victories this college basketball season, if any, that Michigan's on Saturday.

Wagner playing at his best was a big reason it happened. The junior scored a career-high 27 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Wagner scored from deep (3-of-4 on 3-pointers), off the bounce, and from the foul line (a perfect 8-for-8).

The Spartans had no answer for him. Starting center Nick Ward was limited to 14 minutes partly because of his struggles guarding Wagner. Head coach Tom Izzo unleashed his frontcourt depth in an attempt to slow him but nothing worked.

Beilein praised Wagner for making the simple play Saturday, though there were a few special highlights.

Michigan State had cut an eight-point deficit in half with four minutes left when Wagner got the ball on the right side of the floor with his back to the basket. He quickly pivoted to face up, spun back away from the baseline, and jumped off his left foot to can a jumper. It was impossible not to think of fellow German Dirk Nowitzki.

"I've worked on that all my life," Wagner said.

On Michigan's next possession, Wagner received a pass at the top of the arc and made one hard dribble right. By now, the scouting report suggested what would come next: a behind-the-back dribble that left the defender on ice skates. Wagner laid it in and Michigan led 69-61. The Spartans never got closer than six.

There was also Wagner's first-half 3. Jackson, Jr. had just blocked two shots and dunked to give the Spartans the lead and ignite the crowd. Wagner silenced them -- with his shot and by putting his finger in front of his lips.

"It's awesome when they slap the floor, the crowd goes wild, and then you hit one and everybody's silent again," Wagner said. "It's kind of cool."

Said Michigan senior Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman: "He likes being that bad guy, (playing) that villain role." Abdur-Rahkman said he and his teammates used to call Wagner "the Grayson Allen of the Big Ten," a reference to Duke's star, because opponents and their fans seem to hate him.

Harnessing all that energy for good was a challenge for Wagner at times last season. His inconsistency earlier this season, Beilein believes, was a result of getting away from what made him successful.

"He was loving only the 3, his defense was awful," Beilein said. "Now I think he understands that's not going to work and he really did a great job today."

Wagner's performance came despite re-injuring his right ankle in practice Thursday. He'd sprained it against Texas on Dec. 12, missed the next two games, and started looking comfortable again in Tuesday's one-point loss to Purdue. Beilein said Wagner showed "a lot of courage" by playing Saturday. Wagner said he's not at 100 percent but adrenaline carried him through.

Again looking to the rafters, Wagner spoke about the fans who made the trip to East Lansing. "This game means so much for the people up there and all the Michigan family out there. Obviously me being from Germany it's a little different, but for these people you just want to play your heart out."